Chaplain in Irish (Séiplíneach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for chaplain?

The Irish for chaplain is séiplíneach (pronounced “SHAYP-lee-nyukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is séiplínigh. Depending on context it can also mean curate.

Q: What is the plural of chaplain in Irish?

The plural of séiplíneach is séiplínigh; with the article, na séiplínigh means “the chaplains”. The genitive plural is séiplíneach, as in cruinniú na séiplíneach (the meeting of the chaplains).

Q: Does séiplíneach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Séiplíneach can mean chaplain or curate, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “chaplain” in Irish

Irish:: séiplíneach
English:: chaplain, curate
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “SHAYP-lee-nyukh” /ˈʃeːpʲlʲiːnʲəx/

Various forms

Plural:: séiplínigh (chaplains)
Genitive singular:: séiplínigh, an tséiplínigh (e.g. teach an tséiplínigh, the chaplain's house)
Genitive plural:: séiplíneach, na séiplíneach (e.g. cruinniú na séiplíneach, the meeting of the chaplains)

What does “séiplíneach” mean?

“Séiplíneach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

chaplain: A priest or minister attached to an institution such as a hospital, school, prison or army unit.Also: army chaplain, hospital chaplain.

1 other meaning: curate

2curate: An assistant priest in a parish who helps the parish priest.Also: assistant priest, curate priest.

“Séiplíneach” with the article

The plural of chaplain in Irish is séiplínigh. Here is séiplíneach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an séiplíneach

the chaplain

No change after an

na séiplínigh

the chaplains

Plural: no change after na

“Séiplíneach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using séiplíneach, the Irish word for chaplain.

Tháinig an séiplíneach ar cuairt chuig an ospidéal.

The chaplain came to visit the hospital.

Is séiplíneach é sa scoil áitiúil.

He is a chaplain in the local school.

Labhair mé le séiplíneach an airm inné.

I spoke to the army chaplain yesterday.

Tá beirt séiplíneach sa pharóiste seo.

There are two curates in this parish.

Bhí na séiplínigh go léir i láthair ag an Aifreann.

All the curates were present at Mass.

Tá carr nua ag an séiplíneach.

The curate has a new car.

Chuaigh sí chuig oifig an tséiplínigh.

She went to the chaplain's office.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Chaplain in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for chaplain?

The Irish for chaplain is séiplíneach (pronounced “SHAYP-lee-nyukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is séiplínigh. Depending on context it can also mean curate.

How do you pronounce séiplíneach in Irish?

Séiplíneach is said like “SHAYP-lee-nyukh” (IPA /ˈʃeːpʲlʲiːnʲəx/).

What is the plural of chaplain in Irish?

The plural of séiplíneach is séiplínigh; with the article, na séiplínigh means “the chaplains”. The genitive plural is séiplíneach, as in cruinniú na séiplíneach (the meeting of the chaplains).

Does séiplíneach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Séiplíneach can mean chaplain or curate, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does séiplíneach change to shéiplíneach?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shéiplíneach. After ár (our) it stays ár séiplíneach, because s does not take eclipsis.

What is the difference between 'séiplíneach' and 'sagart paróiste'?

A 'sagart paróiste' is the parish priest in charge, while a 'séiplíneach' is a curate assisting him or a chaplain serving an institution.

Chaplain in Irish (Séiplíneach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage